Physical Sciences Division Staff Awards & Honors

Zachara Given E.O. Lawrence Award

John Zachara was one of eight scientists recognized by DOE with the prestigious E.O. Lawrence Award for his work in environmental science and technology. The Lawrence Award honors scientists and engineers at mid-career for exceptional contributions in research and development that support DOE and its mission to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States. Zachara is the sixth Pacific Northwest National Laboratory scientist to win the Award since its inception in 1959.

Zachara, who has published more than 125 scholarly articles in his field, is the senior chief scientist for environmental chemistry, Chemical & Materials Sciences Division. His research has focused on chemical interactions of toxic metals and radionuclides with mineral surfaces and microorganisms that control the rate at which these contaminants move through soils, sediments and groundwater. Zachara holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Bucknell University, a master's degree in soil and watershed chemistry from the University of Washington and a PhD in soil chemistry from Washington State University.